Avalanche forecast

Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory effective until noon on Sunday. While the hazard rating has not change, the likelihood for avalanche activity is on the rise. The chance for skiers and riders to trigger large persistent slab avalanches will slowly increase as weight continues to be added to the underlying weak layers of faceted snow. In steep wind loaded terrain, backcountry travelers might also be able to trigger pockets of newly developed wind slab that could reach depth of 12 inches by this evening. Monitor the weather, and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant. Shallow slides involving the new snow could also occur below 7,500 feet.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    In some areas above 7,500 feet, buried layers of surface hoar remain a concern. Large grained facets also exist near the base of shallow snow packs. There is a significant amount of spatial variability associated with these weak layers, and it is difficult to predict where backcountry travelers could trigger these dangerous slabs. Conservative terrain choices will be your simplest tool for avoiding these large avalanches. Slab depths are expected to range from one to three feet.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory effective until noon on Sunday. The heaviest snowfall is expected overnight with the Tetons being favored where 6 to 10 inches of new snow could accumulate by Sunday morning. Snowfall intensity will decrease as the day progresses. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the upper teens before rising into the upper 20s in the afternoon. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 7,500 feet on Sunday. While the hazard rating may not change, the likelihood for avalanche activity will be on the rise. Considerable hazard might develop in the Tetons if the snowfall forecast is exceeded. Overnight, new wind slabs with depths ranging from 6 to 18 inches will form in leeward terrain, and backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs on steep, wind loaded slopes. The chance for skiers and riders to trigger persistent slab avalanches, one to four feet deep, will slowly rise as weight is added to the underlying weak layers of faceted snow. These deeper slabs could also step down from the release of a wind slab. Monitor the weather, and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant. Unless an unexpected rain on snow event occurs below 7,500 feet, avalanche activity will remain unlikely.

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